The University of men’s basketball team will open the 2010-11 season ranked No. 11 in the nation in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll, announced on Thursday. It marks the Gators’ highest preseason ranking since 2007.
Florida returns all five starters from last year’s squad that reached the NCAA Tournament and finished 21-13. The Gators are one of three SEC teams to make the poll, joining No. 10 Kentucky and No. 20 Tennessee. Georgia, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt all received votes.
The Gators’ non-conference schedule will features two top-five teams, as Kansas State is ranked No. 3 and Ohio State No. 5. The Gators play Kansas State at the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise, Fla., on Dec. 18, and host Ohio State on Nov. 16. Two opponents the Gators will visit on the road, Florida State and Xavier, both received votes.
It marks the ninth time in 12 years the Gators have opened the season ranked, and the seventh time they’ve been ranked in the top 11 in the nation to open the season.
The Gators open exhibition play on Oct. 28 at home against Florida Tech and open the regular season on Nov. 12 against UNC-Wilmington.
For the complete poll, visit: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/usatpoll.htm
